Our Newest Adventures

Spring is finally here! Below is posted a picture of our "first bud of the year." At the beginning of each Spring, I like to photograph the first sign of life that I can find around our house. It usually begins on our fruitless mulberry trees out back. It has been fun, recently, to explain to Hayden why everything is beginning to brighten up. He seems to understand a little, along with wanting to pick off all of the greenery! The garden is in the works, and next week is planting week. I am anxious to have the Babies help me so that they can begin to understand where our food truly comes from and how it is that God makes everything in his own time. Not to mention saving lots 'o' money every week in the produce section at the store. We will see if we can grow our food faster than the kids can rip off all of the leaves for fun!

Several weeks back, Kim, Jeff & Adam joined us at The Saltlick for dinner. I hadn't eaten such a heapin' helpin' in quite a while. Since the Babies were away, Kim and I walked off our dinner at the local Wal-Mart for fun.

We have a new addition to the family! Yea, caught your attention, didn't I! Well, the newest member of our clan is a brand new "made by Dad" sandbox! We had debated and processed and pondered and got opinions for quite some time before taking the leap! Well, it's a hit! For the last several weeks, the kids and I have been in the sandbox, honestly, from 9 AM to 4PM EVERYDAY! Of course we take breaks for lunch and naps. Why we break for lunch, I don't know- all I taste is sand in my teeth. I have never seen two kids have more fun together and be so creative at their young ages. The imaginations have come alive involving 1500 lbs. of sand! Thank you, Grandpa Gene, for your help! If you as parents are thinking about a sandbox, it has it's ups and downs. At the end of the day, we are glad we did it! There is nothing like your own private beach in your yard. I was lucky enough to be able to capture the expressions on the kids faces when they first saw their new toy. Kaylen Rae was not real sure at first and sort of "skirted around" the perimeter just peering in. She was hesitant to get in the sand, but quickly realized that if Brother is doing it, it must be alright. This may not always be true in their lives, but in regards to the sand box, we'll take it!

Since Hayden is now old enough to understand some parts of life, like listening, paying attention, and obeying, I found it time to introduce him to our local library. I recently found out about it's standing (it's almost a year old) and decided to check it out. We made some calls, discussed our plans and I quickly saw a gleam in his eye that thrilled me. Having never been to a library before, it seems as if he knew what I was talking about. He has recently begun to notice Pinocchio. I believe he witnessed a commercial on television advertising the classic film. When I was explaining to him about checking out books, I mentioned Pinocchio, and quickly prayed that they carried the book! Amazingly, it was the first book on the shelf that we saw when we walked in. Along with this classic, he picked out Olivia Saves Christmas for Kaylen. Such a good brother! We discussed the moral of Pinocchio as, "Let your conscience be your guide"- The Blue Fairy. You ask why I would converse about morals with a three year old? Am I crazy? Yes, but he totally gets it. He understood (on a three year old level, of course) what happened to Pinocchio when he lied, and now... he's petrified! Thanks a lot, Disney!

(Due to the weather lately, we opted for movies from the Blockbuster. He found Pinocchio and we rented it. I watched his face some during the movie. I think it truly all came together for him. OK, you say, enough about the puppet. I just hope he doesn't ask to keep the next cricket that we see as a pet.)

Camera in hand, I opted for a shot by the sign. I'm sure Hayden saw it coming. Since it was in a ditch next to the road, I chose to carry Kaylen and not let her down! We will continue to frequent the library one afternoon a week for preschool story time, when ever they offer events (which in the summer is quite frequently,) and when ever they ask to go. We have read our books multiple times and will continue to do so for two weeks until we can check out different titles. I am so proud of my little bookworms!

Since Kaylen Rae didn't get a photo op by the great sign, I captured one of her on the way home.

Here are several from the recent weeks. As of late, our household has been laden with sickness and has been quarantined. After a week, we are beginning to see the light and are praying for no relapses. All we can do is stay clean, drink our OJ (which both kids absolutely LOVE,) and take our vitamins. I will not complain about the rain we've been blessed with, but maybe a good dose of sunshine in our near future will help.

Thank you, Tiff, for the adorable shirts! You are so amazing and so talented. Compliments galore!

I hope that every one of you enjoy your coming week (Spring Break for many.) Please say safe and stay well.

Good Night!

Kelley

I See Green!

Hello To All!

I hope you are all finding time to enjoy whatever season we (especially here in central Texas) are currently experiencing. I pray that some of you are noticing the small amounts of green poking through the Earth. Isn't it beautiful? We have recieved some showers here lately that have really brought the ground from drab to springlike.

As of late, we have been pretending that Spring has already hit and we have adjusted our plans accordingly. The mounds of toys that daily adorn my floors are beginning to be moved outside for the summer. The selected favorites will join us in the yard until next fall. See, I wholeheartedly believe that if the sun is shining, you should be under it. Even as early as it still is in the season, my babies are already beginning to gain the "pink cheeks" of summer. Yes, I use sunscreen on them, but after a long and cold winter (not even a mild chill for some of you,) Sunshine is a must!

The recent weeks have brought many days of play with friends. We have joined in play with the likes of Cooper, Emma, Jenna, Tami's kids, Bella, just to name a few. At the Babies ages, I feel it is wonderful and educational for them to interact as much as they can with others. It is amazing to watch them both with other children. It is fasinating to see the likes and differences in their personalities and how they treat others. Next time you come to plan, keep an eye on Hayden. I have noticed here of late that he rarely takes his eyes off of Kaylen Rae. Even during his most in depth play with others, he seems to know exactly where she is, who is around her and what she is involving herself in. I truly believe that he becoming more and more protective of her. Since day one, he has kept her close, but as of late, he wants nothing more than to be her friend and companion. I've rarely seen a friendship blossom so beautifully.

Kaylen Rae has become quite the acrobat. Next Christmas, maybe Santa will bring her a trapeze of some sort. The only word I can find to describe her is fearless! The child knows no boundries. I sometimes stop, watch, and wonder if she knows that Hayden is watching closely to their surroundings and making certain that all will be well for her. Possibly she leans on him and waits for his silent "it's alright; go ahead" between them. Oh, they are lovely together and I am so proud of them as a team as well as individually.

I wondered if, when choosing pictures for this entry, I would have to many pictures to process. There is a limit, I hear; but I guess I didn't exceed it this time. It is so hard to choose photos, so I simply chose way to many! Easiest route, by far! Here are several of the Babies from the events of recent weeks.

I was thrown a surprise dinner with Jared, the Babies, Jeff & Kim at the new Monument Cafe in Georgetown. Excellent in every aspect! They have done such an amazing job reconstructing the new one to resemble the old one, that I felt like I was in the old location, just with more space between the tables! What a wonderful birthday it was! The best one yet. I hope this entire year is as wonderful as my 31st year has been so far!

Well, we registered Hayden for another year of preschool. When he returns in the fall, he will attend Tuesday and Thursday mornings instead of our current schedule. I have a feeling that our new schedule will work out much better, timewise. Thank goodness, he will be attending class with his "boys!" Yea! Four little boys that were practically born together and have attended Bible class together since the first time each of them were introduced to Cradle Roll. These four have shared a class this past year and from what I hear, are quite the team!These four are a sight to see and I pray that their friendship continues throughout the remainder of their sweet lives.

We took Kaylen Rae to the doctor this week for her fifteen month checkup! What a positive checkup it was! My sweet baby is growing up way to fast! She weighed in at a mighty 22lbs and is 33.5 inches in height. She, as is her brother, is tall for her age. Ballerina, maybe? Her, not him. Maybe he will be a swimmer, or a runner. Oh, the hopes and dreams we parents have for our young ones! Let's get through tomorrow first.

I hope you all have a good night and a fulfilling rest of the week.

Kelley

I Hear Wedding Bells!

Congratulations

Courtney & Eric!

We are so happy for you both! Courtney, welcome to the family! We are so excited that you are now a

MARSHALL!

The Bust

For those of you who remember Hayden's Lady Friend,

She's back!

Hello to everyone. I hope that you all are doing well and enjoying (for those of you in central Texas,) this nice weather we have been blessed with all of the sudden. Let's hope it continues for a little while, as some of us have already begun to get spoiled.

I absolutely love this time of year; the time between the holidays and spring. Generally, during this time of year, we stay close to home, not leaving town much. We can finally breath after the holiday rush, while planning our springtime events and activities. Between runny noses, we have been taking full advantage of the outdoors as much as we possibly can, not yet knowing what the next few months forecast may bring. We will enjoy it while we know for certain we can. Sunday afternoons have become ritual in the way of playgrounds! We try to find a new one each week and let the kids go wild. Hayden automatically finds someone his age to talk "jibber jabber" with. he loves playing with random kiddos and they seem to like him as well. I guess it's his gentle spirit. Kaylen tries out every slide backwards, seeing how far up she can get. It's funny how people young and old alike already make way for her! In her own tiny little manner, I guess, she lets folks know she's coming their way!

During the last several weeks, it seems, our house has been abuzz with so much chatter! Hayden is beginning to really talk in sentences and is getting very good at putting words together. He loves verbally labeling anything he can find and is working extra hard to slow down and focus on what it is he is trying to get across. You can tell that he is very excited and proud of himself when he knows one can understand his questions or comments. He is into anything involving baseball! Although he is still to young for an organized league, he loves to practice hitting and throwing the ball. He makes up his own bases, and runs them in stride! He still loves the movie CARS, and with much "on the edge of your seat excitement," acts like he has never seen it before, all the while, introducing each and every character by name. Hayden has discovered a new level of singing that he hasn't before known. He was singing very loudly (in church) at 9 months old, but recently , his notes have blended together rather nicely. He can sing his ABC's and "Take Me Out To The Ballgame." We are currently working on the Books of the Bible. Maybe helping him will help me remember them as well. I wish that each of you could be blessed enough to hear one of his sweet prayers. All I can say is (lump in the throat,) sincere innocence.....

Kaylen Rae is such a little lady! She still insists on wearing her coat in the house and she has found a love for baby dolls and anything that might be soft. She has a trusty blanket that rarely leaves her side. If you don't see it in pictures, it's probably not far out of the frame. She loves to carry a purse around while chanting, "Aye, Aye. Aye, Aye." She thinks a purse or bag means we are leaving. She is beginning to talk some with words such as go, NO, kitty, who's thaaaat?, Hi, bye bye, juice, hot (ot,) and sit. She can point to several body parts such as her belly button, nose, ears, mouth and eyes (all the essentials, I guess.) She thinks that clapping on command is the greatest thing ever and she is the best "BOO!"partner around.

I thought I would share with you way to many photos of the kids from the last several weeks. These are all from random places.

Those of you who know me well know that I don't normally write about politics. I do have to say, though, keep in mind our nation, as tomorrow, we endure the unknown. I guess in this time of uncertainty, all I can think of are my Babies and how they will be affected now and in the future. Thank you to those who take a stand for what you believe in. God Bless America!

"Ted Nugent for president 2012? " Anyone?

Have a good night.

Kelley

Good Bye,Ole Boy! You've been a trusty sidekick for nearly nine years! Oh, the things we've found and the stories we could tell.....

Hello, Pretty Lady!

What a Wonderful Season!

Happy new Year, Friends! I hope and pray that everyone had a wonderful holiday season. Who's ready to hit the mother road full force tomorrow?

What an amazing several weeks we've had this past season. It was exciting to get to spend such a good amount of time with so many family members that we rarely are able to spend extended amounts of time with. We traveled, as many of you did as well, far south and further up north, and stayed in between some.

Santa came and blessed two sweet babies that had been really well behaved all year, one of which is already anticipating his arrival next year! Way to plan ahead, Baby!

Waiting For Santa

Thank You, WCP! Not a good experience! We will try again next year.....

Handmade with Lots of Love! Thank you, Daddy!

Party's Over!

Happy New Year!